Canada and Quebec support the renovation of the Val-d'Or tourism information building

VAL-D'OR, QC, Nov. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec recognize the key role of tourism infrastructure in developing dynamic, prosperous communities, and protecting Canada's diverse heritage.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Guy Bourgeois, Member of the National Assembly for Abitibi-Est, today announced that the governments of Canada and Quebec will each invest nearly $145,000 in the renovation of the Val-d'Or regional tourism information building.

This financial assistance comes from the New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component—Small Communities Fund. The City of Val-d'Or will also contribute nearly $145,000, for a total government-municipal investment of almost $435,000.

The project involves renovating and updating the regional tourism information building in Val-d'Or to provide users with a more attractive, functional and safe environment. In addition to meeting tourism needs, it will help maintain and improve residents' quality of life.

Quotes

"Investing in tourism infrastructure creates places where families can come together and celebrate Canada's heritage. Renovating this building in Val-d'Or will foster tourism and economic development in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region. The Government of Canada recognizes that strategic investments in public infrastructure support community development while creating good jobs that help grow the middle class."

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"This project will consolidate the position of Val-d'Or as a gateway to the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and northern Quebec regions. Thanks to a more spacious reception area and new technology, visitors will be able to plan a memorable stay. This high-quality welcome centre will improve the tourist experience while highlighting regional artworks and promoting agritourism."

Guy Bourgeois, MNA for Abitibi-Est and Parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Northern Plan, on behalf of Julie Boulet, Minister of Tourism

"Thanks to this investment, the City of Val-d'Or will stand out as a Nordic destination in Quebec. Our geographic location, combined with the expertise of our industries and businesses, are key assets to the development of this vast land."

Pierre Corbeil, Mayor of Val-d'Or

Quick facts

• The Small Communities Fund is a joint federal-provincial program coordinated by Infrastructure Canada in partnership with the provinces and territories. In Quebec, the Fund is administered by the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. The goal of this program is to provide financial support to Canadian municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents to develop infrastructure that can enhance their cultural, sports, recreational, and tourism assets or safeguard public assets.
• The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
• Budget 2017 allocates $21.9 billion to support social infrastructure in Canadian communities.
• Quebec's 2017–2027 Infrastructure Plan calls for $7 billion in investments in municipal infrastructure under the Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy. When combined with contributions from the Government of Canada and municipalities, this means $15 billion will be invested in municipal infrastructure in Quebec over the next 10 years.

Associated links

Investing in Canada, the Government of Canada's new $180 billion infrastructure plan in Budget 2017: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html  

New Building Canada Plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/nbcp-npcc-eng.html  

New Building Canada Fund, Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure component—Small Communities Fund:
http://www.mamot.gouv.qc.ca/infrastructures/programmes-daide-financiere/nouveau-fonds-chantiers-canada-quebec-volet-fonds-des-petites-collectivites-fpc/

Quebec's 2017–2027 Infrastructure Plan: https://www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/PDF/budget_depenses/17-18/infrastructuresPubliquesQuebec.pdf

SOURCE Infrastructure Canada

Brook Simpson, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Tel.: [phone]; Patrick Soucy, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Tourism and minister responsible for Mauricie, Tel.: [phone]; Valérie Pomerleau, Political Attaché, Office of the MNA for Abitibi-Est, Tel.: [phone], Infrastructure Canada, Tel.: [phone], Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected], Twitter: @INFC_eng,Website: Infrastructure Canada; Jean-Pierre D'Auteuil, Media Relations Officer, Communications Branch, Ministry of Tourism, Tel.: [phone], ext. 4868, Cell.: 418-559-0710; Pierre-Luc Lévesque, Media Relations, Communications Branch, Quebec Department of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy and the Department of Public Safety, Tel.: [phone], ext. 3746

Related Links

http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/